FORT WORTH, Texas | October 2026 — Attorney Scott Lindsey secured a favorable judgment for a Tarrant County client in a breach of contract lawsuit involving an unpaid personal loan. Following a bench trial, the court awarded the client the full amount of damages requested, along with attorney’s fees, interest, and court costs.
The dispute arose from a loan involving monetary advances over several years to the client’s former spouse. Although the parties had no written loan agreement, the client maintained that the money was intended to be repaid. The defendant argued that the transfers were gifts rather than loans.
Establishing an agreement without a written contract
At trial, Lindsey presented financial records, payment descriptions, and text messages demonstrating that the transfers were a loan rather than a gift. The evidence included the borrower’s own communications acknowledging the debt and discussing repayment arrangements.
The case illustrates how the parties’ conduct and communications can establish the existence of an agreement, even when its terms were never formally documented.
Court awards damages, interest, and attorney’s fees
In a judgment signed Sept. 15, 2026, the court awarded:
- $25,779.54 in actual damages, representing the full amount requested.
- Prejudgment interest at 6.75% beginning April 8, 2025.
- $38,161.67 in trial-level attorney’s fees, representing the full amount requested.
- Post-judgment interest at 6.75%, plus court costs.
The judgment remains subject to further proceedings. A motion to modify the judgment, including a request for conditional appellate attorney’s fees, is pending.
A practical lesson about informal agreements
Although the client prevailed without a signed loan agreement, Lindsey emphasized the importance of documenting financial arrangements.
“If you loan money to someone, even a family member or friend, put the terms in writing,” Lindsey said. “Written agreements can help prevent disputes and provide clarity if disagreements arise.”
The result also underscores the importance of preserving communications and financial records. When parties disagree about the existence or terms of a contract, contemporaneous documentation can be critical in establishing what they intended.
About Scott Lindsey and Lindsey Law
Lindsey served as lead trial counsel while practicing at Boyd, Powers & Williamson, where attorney Mac Thomson assisted in preparing the case for trial. The trial and judgment preceded the Oct. 1, 2026, launch of Lindsey Law. Lindsey Law Texas, PLLC was substituted as counsel on Oct. 2, 2026.
Lindsey Law represents businesses and individuals in civil litigation, appeals, business transactions, estate planning, and probate, with offices in Fort Worth and Granbury.
Case result notice: This article describes the circumstances and result of one case. The judgment remains subject to further proceedings, including potential appellate review. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in another case.